MORE than 100 new work spaces are being created for small businesses to get a foot on the ladder.

Lodge Park Business Centre is expanding and Rose Builders will be constructing two new buildings on the site, on the outskirts of Severalls Business Park. 

The first building will include 42 “serviced desks” while a second building planned to follow will bring in a further 64 desks.

A planning application is under consideration by Colchester Council.

A serviced office is an office that is fully equipped and managed by a facility management company, which then rents individual offices or floors to other companies.

The new building under construction has been specifically designed to attract professional organisations ranging in size from one to four employees.

The second will target slightly larger organisations of up to 12 people.

Lodge Park Business Centre has been running for three years.

Joshua Warren, managing director, said: “We are delighted to bring more serviced office space to Colchester’s start-up and entrepreneurial community.

“Colchester is rapidly growing and hence it is important it has a range of offices to meet all needs.

“Since purchasing Lodge Park in 2016, we have been successful at establishing our business centre as the location for Colchester’s professional services firms.

“They appreciate the high-quality environment we have created, the easy access to the A12 and A120 and the ample parking.”

Andy Ledgerton, of Rose Builders, said: “We are delighted to have commenced work on site at Lodge Park Business Centre transforming this disused warehouse into what will be state-of-the-art office facilities.

“We are taking great care to minimise disruption in what is a very busy office park so as to ensure no inconvenience to its tenants.”

The works are scheduled for completion in May 2020.